Netanyahu: Basic objective of op must be to end the arming of Hamas

The basic objective of Operation Cast Lead must be to end the arming of Hamas and the prevention of arms-smuggling from Egypt, Likud leader Binyamin said Wednesday. "We must define our aim, not only the means to attaining it, but rather the aim", Netanyahu said in an interview with Israel Radio. "We are in an impossible situation. No country has a million of its citizens under rocket fire." According to Netanyahu, "There are two options, the eradication of the Hamas regime - and there will be no escaping this in the long run - and putting an end to is armament."